Why I Don't Play Video Games Anymore | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why I Don't Play Video Games Anymore

My Commitment To This Art Form Has Slowly Disintegrated, And Now My Engagement Is Minimal

427
Why I Don't Play Video Games Anymore
The Huffington Post

Well, the true titles of this article should be "Why I Don't Play Video Games All That Often," but that's not eye-catching. Such is the case when you write for the Odyssey.

I used to be an avid gamer on the Wii and DS. I played the Wii so much I was actually good at the terrible motion controls. The DS, and later the 3DS, introduced me to platformers and RPGs, and man was it a blast. It was the perfect solution for a kid who lived in a small town, with friends miles away. I loved to get lost in the game world, explore each game's fine crevices, before going onto the next one, and I'm quite glad I was able to do this. Contrary to what many people will say, video games will not rot your brain, they are a complex art form with more tools to tell a story than any other medium.

In high school, it was easy to find time to pop in a good game or two, especially a handheld RPG like Fire Emblem or Golden Sun. During my downtime, like on weekends or during summers, I committed my time to home console experiences like "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" or either of the Super Mario Galaxys. I had time to kill, and this was the most enjoyable way to spend my time.

But times changed. I grew up. I started working, I went to college, I even had a long string of romantic relationships. Suddenly gaming was kicked to the curb, as a side thing I did with friends or used to entertain company. The only time I did it prolifically was when I was in between school and getting a job; no-nothing downtime that I haven't had in awhile. Gaming slowly devolved out of my life as my professional life started taking shape.

Yet I still have the love for this art form I had back in high school. I know of its potential, of the stuff it has already done, and I yearn to experience things that I missed out on. This has driven me to purchase consoles I never got the chance to play, such as the Sega Genesis and the Nintendo GameCube, and I have found some enjoyment out of them when I can find the time.

Time is the key word when discussing my relationship with gaming.

Not everyone has the time to just slow down and stop to experience the fineries of the world, most of us have to work to survive, get an education, or take care of loved ones. Not everyone has time to spare, and this is the wall I've run into with gaming.

A competent game is a commitment. An average game should give you at least 6 hours of gameplay, which widely deviates from the average running time of a movie, which should be just under 2 hours. When you have a lot going on in life, it's hard to spare those 6 hours, especially if the game isn't all that great to begin with.

Maybe I'll return to gaming, in the way that I used to game. As of now, I have a career to build, a life to make, and gaming just hasn't been able to root itself as part of my life that other things have. It's simple as that.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

2879
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1731
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200987
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21400
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments